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2020 Map of Ranchos De Taos

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Ranchos De Taos
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Ranchos de Taos and the neighboring settlements of Llano Quemado and Talpa occupy the fertile valley floor where the Rio Grande del Rancho and Rio Chiquito emerge from the high peaks. This area is characterized by a dense network of traditional irrigation infrastructure, including the Acequia Madre del Rio Chiquito and Acequia de Avago la Loma, which sustain the agricultural life of the valley. Numerous local burial sites, such as Hart Cem and the Old Cem, are found alongside the Saint Francis Ch, reflecting the deep community roots in the region.

The topography transitions abruptly from the valley floor into the high elevations of the Carson National Forest. Peaks like Tetillas Peak and Pinoreal Peak overlook a landscape carved by deep drainages like McGaffey Canyon and Ojitos Canyon. This interface between the permanent waters of the Talpa Reservoir and the arid ridges defines the spatial organization of the northern New Mexico landscape.